M1 J5 MOVA - Technical Advice

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust are proposing the development of a health campus in West Watford, near the congested Junction 5 on the M1. In order to alleviate the impact of the traffic generated by the proposed development the installation of a MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) signalling system was proposed as a mitigation option at the junction. TPi, on behalf of Gifford, undertook an independent qualitative review of the potential benefits of installing the MOVA system, at the junction. TPi’s review of TRL commissioned studies and anecdotal literature suggested that significant improvements are achievable in trunk road and motorway junction performance with the installation of MOVA over fixed signal times and VA systems such as SCOOT. Significant reductions in delay times and increases in vehicle throughputs have been generally reported at junctions where MOVA systems have been thoughtfully designed and installed. Increased safety by way of a reduction in personal injury accidents reported on the higher performing MOVA junctions is an added benefit. A cost benefit analysis by TPi suggested that the implementation of a MOVA system at M1 Junction 5 would have been appropriate sooner rather than later, with a relatively short payback period. Following the submission of the TPi report the Highways Agency have given approval for the scheme, recognising that the conversion to MOVA would not only mitigate the proposed Watford Health Campus development traffic, but provide benefit to all users of the junction.

Issued: July 2008

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